Europe Travel: Rules with Germany Visitor Visa

"If you have a German-issued Schengen visitor visa (Type C), you are allowed to travel across all Schengen Area countries as long as your visa is valid.

Below are the requirements, rules, and conditions you must follow:

✅ 1. Valid Schengen Visa (Type C)

Your German visitor visa must be:

Valid for the dates of travel

Valid for the number of days you plan to stay

Multiple-entry (if you plan to exit and re-enter the Schengen Area)

A single-entry visa allows travel only within one continuous trip.

✅ 2. Allowed Countries With a German Visitor Visa

You can travel to all Schengen states, including:

France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland*, Denmark, Greece, Sweden, Norway*, Finland, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland*, Liechtenstein*

(*also Schengen)

✅ 3. Purpose of Travel

You can travel for:

Tourism

Family visit

Short business trips

Transit

You cannot:

Work

Study long-term

Stay beyond your visa validity

✅ 4. Mandatory Documents to Carry During Travel

Even though internal borders are open, you must carry:

Passport

German Schengen Visa (stamped/sticker)

Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or host address)

Return flight ticket (back to your home country)

Travel insurance valid for all Schengen states (min €30,000 coverage)

Proof of funds (bank statements/cash/cards)

Your travel itinerary

Border police may ask for these during random checks.

✅ 5. Entry Rules When Arriving Into Germany (First Country)

When entering the Schengen Area, you must show:

Passport + Visa

Travel insurance

Proof of funds

Accommodation details

Return/onward travel ticket

This is usually checked only once at the first entry country (e.g., Germany).

✅ 6. Days Limit — The 90/180 Rule

Schengen visas follow:

You can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Example:

If your visa is for 30 days, you cannot extend that inside the Schengen Area unless Germany approves it.

❗ 7. Overstaying Is Illegal

Overstaying your Schengen visa can lead to:

Fines

Deportation

Entry ban

Future Schengen visa refusals

Always leave before your visa expires."